Chapter 2: Problem 129
For the following exercises, sketch the graph of each equation. $$q(x)=3$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph is a horizontal line at \( y = 3 \).
Step by step solution
01
Analyze the equation
The given equation is \( q(x) = 3 \). This is a constant function where \( q(x) \) is equal to 3 for any value of \( x \). It indicates that the output does not change with different inputs.
02
Understand the graph of constant functions
For equations in the form of \( q(x) = c \), where \( c \) is a constant, the graph is a horizontal line across the y-axis at \( y = c \). This means that no matter the value of \( x \), the value of \( q(x) \) will always be 3.
03
Identify key points
Select a few points to plot the graph, such as \( (0, 3), (1, 3), (-1, 3) \). These points lie on the horizontal line \( y = 3 \).
04
Plot the graph
Draw a straight line horizontally across the y-axis at \( y = 3 \). Ensure that the line extends indefinitely in both the positive and negative directions along the x-axis, because \( q(x) = 3 \) holds for all \( x \).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Horizontal Line
When you encounter a constant function like the one described by the equation \( q(x) = 3 \), one of the most noticeable characteristics is that its graph forms a horizontal line. A horizontal line means that all points on the graph have the same y-coordinate. For the function \( q(x) = 3 \), this horizontal line lies at \( y = 3 \) on the y-axis.
- Every input \( x \) produces the same output \( 3 \), creating a line parallel to the x-axis.
- The line does not slope upwards or downwards, which is the hallmark of constancy in a function.
Graph Sketching
Sketching the graph of a constant function like \( q(x) = 3 \) involves noting a few straightforward steps that ensure accurate representation. First, rather than focusing on multiple changes in the x-values, shift attention to where the line levels out. With only one y-value to remember, sketching becomes much simpler:
- Identify the horizontal line to place along the y-axis.
- Choose key x-values, such as \( x = -1, 0, 1 \), to confirm they all produce the same y-value, which is \( 3 \).
- Draw a straight line connecting these points along \( y = 3 \).
- Extend this line indefinitely in both horizontal directions since \( q(x) \) remains 3 for all x.
Constant Value
In the context of the constant function \( q(x) = 3 \), the term 'constant value' refers to the unchanging output produced regardless of the input. This singular value, which is \( 3 \) here, illustrates:
- Consistency across the entire domain of the function.
- An unbroken output, meaning no fluctuations or variations occur no matter how x changes.
Function Analysis
Function analysis of \( q(x) = 3 \) allows for understanding the core nature and implications of this mathematical expression. By breaking it down:
- **Domain**: The domain of this function is all real numbers \( (-\infty, \infty) \), since \( x \) can take any value.
- **Range**: The range is simply \( \{3\} \), as only a single output value is achievable regardless of the input.
- **Slope**: This function has a slope of zero, reflecting the fact that there is no change in the y-value as x progresses.
- **Intercepts**: The graph crosses the y-axis at \( y = 3 \). There are no x-intercepts because the line never reaches the x-axis.